#United States #Greenwood Village #Dementia Care #Homewatch CareGivers #Training Program

Homewatch CareGivers® Introduces Certified Dementia Care Specialist Training

Homewatch CareGivers recently unveiled an innovative Certified Dementia Care Specialist Training program aimed at providing caregivers with essential skills for compassionate care. This initiative is particularly significant as the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease approaches seven million. By emphasizing cultural sensitivity and an individualized approach, the program seeks to enhance the quality of care delivered to those affected by dementia.

The training program was co-created by Nicole Brackett, a certified dementia care educator, and Dr. Allen Power, a respected geriatrician and dementia expert. Together, they designed a curriculum that not only imparts critical knowledge but also empowers caregivers to address the unique challenges faced by individuals living with dementia. Dr. Power noted, "Our hope with this certification is that all who work with Homewatch CareGivers will better understand dementia and how to support and enrich the lives of those they care for."

Training Focus and Goals

The Certified Dementia Care Specialist Training diverges from the traditional biomedical focus on dementia, incorporating various essential elements that cater to the needs of caregivers and persons living with dementia. Some key objectives of the training include:
1. Addressing Stigmas: Participants will be trained to confront the stigmas associated with dementia, fostering a more inclusive understanding of the disease.
2. Recognizing Sensory Changes: Training includes insights into sensory changes that occur with aging and dementia, equipping caregivers with skills to minimize potential safety issues.
3. Communication Skills: Caregivers learn effective face-to-face communication techniques to assist those experiencing daily living challenges, enhancing their overall quality of life.
4. Individualized Decision Making: The training emphasizes balancing choices and risks, helping caregivers make supportive decisions that prioritize the well-being of individuals living with dementia.
5. Applying Practical Techniques: Attendees will complete skill-building exercises enabling the application of person-directed care techniques in real-life settings.

The program is delivered as an interactive online independent course, supplemented with group discussions. Participants are encouraged to invite family members, friends, colleagues, or anyone involved in caregiving to join them in completing the certification, promoting a wider understanding of dementia care.

Practical Application of Skills

Upon completion of the program, certified individuals will be able to:

• - Apply the Home Environment Audit, which offers a specific checklist for dementia care, ensuring safety and suitability in the living environment.
• - Implement techniques that foster an individual's overall well-being, addressing both physical and emotional needs adequately.
• - Decode signs of distress in those they care for, offering tailored solutions like engaging them in conversation, slowing down interactions, and empowering individuals to participate in their care as much as possible.

Pilot Program Success and Future Plans

An initial pilot program effectively certified caregivers in four Homewatch CareGivers locations including Edina, MN, Phoenix, AZ, Katy, TX, and San Antonio, TX. This pilot aimed at refining the curriculum to suit diverse caregiver groups. Following this positive feedback, Homewatch CareGivers franchises will continue scaling the program, aiming to certify more caregivers nationwide.

Todd Houghton, President of Homewatch CareGivers, expressed pride in their commitment to enhancing care services. He stated, “With experts like Nicole Brackett and Dr. Allen Power leading this initiative, we are offering a training program that empowers our caregivers to deliver the highest quality of care.” Given that dementia predominantly impacts individuals aged 65 and older, such training is vital for addressing the evolving needs within this demographic.

For more information regarding the Certified Dementia Care Specialist Training and Homewatch CareGivers’ other dementia-related home support services, interested individuals can visit homewatchcaregivers.com/dementia/.

About Homewatch CareGivers and Authority Brands

Founded in 1980, Homewatch CareGivers is recognized as one of the most experienced networks offering full-service home care across various age groups. Each location operates independently, ensuring personalized service tailored to individual client needs. Authority Brands, based in Columbia, Maryland, encompasses 15 leading home service franchise brands and provides robust support to franchise owners across more than 2,000 territories.

Following this initiative, Homewatch CareGivers aims to not only improve dementia care but also uplift the entire caregiving experience across the United States.